Panel Size (LCD) or Tube Size (CRT): Measures the display viewing area diagonally; does not measure the unit itself. Make sure that your desk has enough room for the monitor that you are considering.
Dot Pitch (CRT): The distance between two similarly colored phosphors on a CRT display. Dot pitch is not the most reliable way to measure monitor quality, because almost all new monitors have an acceptable dot pitch of .28 or lower.
Refresh Rate: The number of times that a screen can be redrawn, per second. To avoid monitors that flicker, look for a refresh rate of at least 70 Hz, and make sure that refresh rate is compatible with the resolution at which you plan to set your monitor.
Resolution: The number of pixels that can be displayed across a monitor. The higher the resolution, the more information that can be displayed. A higher resolution also results in smoother graphics. If you are looking for a high resolution, however, it is important to ensure that the monitor in question is large enough to handle that resolution without making text too small to read comfortably. 15- or 17-inch monitors should be able to handle a resolution of 1024 by 768, while larger monitors may handle up to 1280 by 1024 or 1600 by 1200.
Tube Type (CRT only):Flat or traditional. Traditional tubes are curved slightly, while flat panels have a flat display; this reduces glare and improves precision.
As always, the best way to examine the quality of a monitor is to look at it, and to compare it with other models using your own eyes. Statistics are useful only to a point.
